Quick answer: Sideoats grama (Bouteloua curtipendula) is native to 38 states. What's commonly sold under this name is the true wild species. It's typically seeds, verified 16 Sep 2026.
Photo: Unknown photographer, Wikimedia Commons (PUBLIC DOMAIN)
Where it's native
Listed in the directory as native to these states. Click a state for its full native-plant guide.
Growing conditions
From the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center Native Plant Database.
| Sun | Sun, Part Shade |
|---|---|
| Water | Medium water, Dry-Moist |
| Soil | Medium-textured well-drained soils, disturbed/igneous/limestone-based |
| Bloom | Jun-Nov |
| Height | 1-3 ft |
| Wildlife value | Bird food/nesting material/cover, graze for mammals, larval host for skipper butterflies |
none noted (increases rapidly after drought/grazing disturbance — described as a positive ecological trait, not invasive)
Buying it
Sold true to the wild species as of the last check (16 Sep 2026), via Amazon.
Sold as: Seeds via Amazon · listing verified 16 Sep 2026
See where to buy →Quick answers about Sideoats grama
Where is Sideoats grama native?
Sideoats grama (Bouteloua curtipendula) is native to 38 states across the Northeast, Midwest, South and West. Check your state's page in this directory for the full list of plants native where you live.
When does Sideoats grama bloom?
Sideoats grama blooms Jun-Nov. Exact timing shifts a few weeks with latitude and elevation.
What growing conditions does Sideoats grama need?
Light: Sun, Part Shade. Water: Medium water, Dry-Moist. Soil: Medium-textured well-drained soils, disturbed/igneous/limestone-based. Mature height: 1-3 ft.
Is Sideoats grama good for pollinators and wildlife?
Yes. Wildlife value: Bird food/nesting material/cover, graze for mammals, larval host for skipper butterflies.
Is Sideoats grama deer-resistant or drought-tolerant?
Sideoats grama is deer-resistant and drought-tolerant.
Where can I buy real Sideoats grama seed or plants?
We found a listing sold as seeds that names the true species, last checked 16 Sep 2026. Look for the scientific name Bouteloua curtipendula on any listing.
Similar native plants
Native plants that share growing conditions or range with Sideoats grama.
- Indiangrass Sorghastrum nutans
- Switchgrass Panicum virgatum
- Little bluestem Schizachyrium scoparium
- Big bluestem Andropogon gerardii
- Black-eyed Susan Rudbeckia hirta
- Butterflyweed Asclepias tuberosa
Also listed under
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